I'm sitting here in my wheelchair today, mad as hell, trying to control my anger, but without much success.

And please understand-I'm not angry with folks like you...or angry about my own personal situation.

Many years ago, with the help of my wife Sarah, I was able to cope with the initial bitterness and depression that come with the knowledge that I'm going to spend the rest of my life confined to a wheelchair.

Instead, I'm angry at the gun lobby led by the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the dangerous state of "gun politics" in Washington D.C. But what really gets me is, even ad deadly shootings are on the rise in churches, workplaces, and schools, these threats to safety of Americans have failed to force legislators to close the legal loopholes in the gun laws that allow serial killers, disturbed teenagers, terrorists, and dangerous criminals to easily obtain any firearms they want- even military style assault weapons!!

And that's why I am so deeply involved in the work of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and why we need you to join us with a contribution of $20, $32, or $75.

Currently, the Brady Campaign is working with the U.S. Congress and state legislatures in fighting against extremists like the well funded gun lobby and the NRA, who spend millions of dollars lobbying against sensible gun legilsation. Isn't it time to end once and for all, the gun lobby's extremist "guns for everyone, no qauestions asked" mentality?

Watching the gun lobby run roughshod over our nation's gun laws and put American lives in jeopardy is very tough for me, because I have experienced, first hand, up close and personal, what it means to be a victim of gun violence.

As you know, on March 30, 1981, a deranged man named John Hinckley attempted to assassinate President Reagan. I was seriously wounded with a bullet in my head. This permanently affected my speech and motor response. And that is why I am still in a wheelchair. And always will be.

But here's exactly what makes me so angry:

Nearly 28 years after I was shot, even though laws have since been passed requiring criminal background checks on handguns purchased thorugh licened dealers...there still exists a terrible and deadly loophole....It's called the "gun show loophole".

A loophole that could be responsible for killing someone you love.

In brief, this gun show loophole allows the NRA-backed gun industry to get away with the moral equivalent of MURDER! And it is still possible for a criminal, terrorist (or a man like John Hinkley!) to buy a gun without a background check.

That is why , instead of just sitting here feeling sorry for myself- which would be an easy indulgence- my wife Sarah and I have dedicated our lives to putting strong gun laws on the books and making our country safer.

You may be aware of the Brady Law, which requires background checks on most gun sales. We introduced this law and convinced Congress to pass it in 1993, after seven, long, bitter years of fighting the NRA. They ar eaffiliated with the rich, powerful gun industry. All we had were folkes like you and me. And we won! Imagine that!

It was a start twoards ending gun violence- a strong beginning. But here is the deadly truth about the gun show loophole:

Even though the Brady Law ent into effect over 15 years ago, and over 1.6 million prohibited purchers - felons, juveniles, stalkers, those convicted of domestic violence, terrorists, - have been stopped from buying firearms from licensed gun dealers, which has contributed to 27 percent decrease in gun deaths...

Because of this loophole, gun shows have become nothing less than an arms bazaar that provides a safe haven for criminals, terrorists, minors, and illegal gun dealers who want to skirt federal gun laws and buy or sell guns on a cash-and-carry, "no questions asked" basis.

And because there are an estimated 4,000 gun shows that take place annually across th enation in convention centers, school gymnasiums, fairgrounds, and facilities often paid for and maintained with taxpayer money, including some in your own community.

It's a frightening, uncontrolled business.

And in a nutshell, it exists becuase the Brady Law applies only to licenced gun dealers! The same is true of many state firearm background check laws. And so, in most states and under ferderal laws, if you want to buy a handgun - or a weapon powerful enough to down a commercial airline - hey, just go to a gunshow!

Show your driver's license to a private dealer, and now, thanks to congressional inaction, you can even buy an American-made AK-47 or Uzi-style killing machine. It is all perfectly legal!

This should worry you. This should be your wake-up call to insist that Congress do everything possible to close the gun show loophole.

And that is why I say, "Enough is enough...NO back ground check, NO gun, NO excuses!"

The battle lines here are clearly drawn. The majority of Amreicans support gun laws. That's a fact.

So what keeps such laws from being passed?

It's quite simple. It's still the NRA, along with the wealthy, and the gun lobby. They have the financial reserves that make them, as they say on Capitol Hill, "very deep pocketed".

We may not have the same war chest as the NRA, but we have the majority of Americans on our side. The Brady Campaign needs you, and I urge you to sign on.

We can beat them if we have you with us. If you will sign both petitions and them return them to me, I promise that your petitions will be delivered to your Senators.

Your Senators absolutely must get the message loud and clear: "I'm a voter in your state, and here is how i feel about U.S. gun laws and closing the gun show loophole". Once they hear from all of us, they'll know that passing strong gun laws must be at the top of their agenda.

Finally, when you return your signed petitions to your Senators, it will help us greatly if you join that Brady Campaing today with a gift of $20, or $32, or $75...please do the best that you can.

If we don't stand up for America's safety, when will the next criminal, disturbed teenager, or terrorist purchase a weapon at a gun show? And who will be the next victim?

Gun violence is senseless. It's stupid. It can be prevented. But with the gun industry and the National Rifle Association no longer controlling the White House, it's up to citizens like you and me to stand with the Brady Campoaing to get the job done!

All we want are strong, sensible gun laws that protect our loved ones and keep guns out of the hands of criminals, juveniles, terrorists, and other dangerous people.

Just a quick note to tell you that you are not the only one who is outraged that terrorist, criminals, and those who are mintally ill can openly buy weapons - including high-powered assault weapons -at gun shows. I am too!

So may I tell you a quick story? As you may know, my husband Jim was badly injured and almost killed in the assassination attempt on President Reagan in 1981. Not long after Jim was wounded, my son was in a relative's pickup truck and he found what he believed was a toy gun and played with it.

But, in fact, it was not a toy. It was a real gun. I was terrified, and later that night, even though it was about 10 PM, I picked up the telephone and dialed the National Rifle Associatoin and said, "This is Sarah Brady and I want you to know that I will be making it my life's work to put you out of business!"

I was probably only talking ot a night janitor, but I felt like I was going to explode if I didn't put hte NRA on recored that it did not represent the vast majority of Americans.

And since then, Jim and I have mad it our life's work to put the gun lobby out of business - an dpass and protect sensible gun laws.

We've made real progess - but still, this damnable gun show loophole remains, as does the fact that more than 80 Americans die from gun violence every day!

Even though we were hugely successfful on Election Night 2008, the battle still rages. The American public decisevily told their elected officioals on both national and local levels that they do not want strong gun laws, which means that clsoing the gun show loophole, enacting a strong and comprehensive assault weapons ban, and curbing the large-volume sales that feed gun trafficking.

As Jim says, we don't want what happened to us to happen to anyone else.

It would be a distinct pleasure to wealcome you as a supporting friend of the Brady Campaing to Prevent Gun Violence. I thank you!

Sarah BradyChair

PS: Here are 11 Terrifying Reasons to Close the Gun Show Loophole:

1) Mac-10 automatic pistol = $795

2)10% of the guns used in crimes by children were sold at gun shows.

3) Handgun =$595.00

4) Buy a gun...no questions asked!

5) Cop killer bullets = $13.00

6) "I would not have bough a gun for Eric and Dylan if I had had to give any personal information or submit to any type of check at all" - Robyn Anderson who bought the Columbine killers their guns at a gun show.

7)25-50% of the vendors at most gunshows are unlicended dealers.

8) Semi-auto and automatic weapons guides = $7.97

9) No backgorund check required by unlicensed dealers.

10) AK 47 conversion parts = $4.99

11) Assault weapons are back on the streets, and you can get one at your local gun show with no questions asked!

A SHORT NOTE FROM SARAH BRADY Just a quick note to tell you that you are not the only one who is outraged that terrorist, criminals, and those who are mintally ill can openly buy weapons - including high-powered assault weapons -at gun shows. I am too!

Where do you buy your guns that you don’t have to fill out that long form with LOTS of questions?

>5) Cop killer bullets = $13.00

Where do you find such a good price on them? {$13 for a box of 50 is a good deal!}

>10) AK 47 conversion parts = $4.99

For converting the entire weapon to select-fire? If so please send me a link!

>11) Assault weapons are back on the streets, and you can get one at your local gun show with no questions asked!

What streets are you watching, I haven’t seen much of a rise in people carrying assault weapons... however, I would be strapping on my revolver if I had it handy before going out on the town... after all I llive in an open-carry state.

8
posted on 04/16/2009 2:52:08 PM PDT
by OneWingedShark
(Q: Why am I here? A: To do Justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God.)

Jimbo? The NRA didn't put you in a wheelchair. A loon did. Outlaw loons, not guns.

And Sarah? If you spent more time giving a sh!t about your husband and less grandstanding to puff yourself up, Ole Jim would be in better shape and WE wouldn't have to hear your tired old whine anymore.

Please take a reeeaaaall long look at the Liberal “head doctors” who think that anyone with ANY KIND of mental illness can be ‘fixed’ with ‘therapy and possibly drugs’.
This is part of the same theory supporting the idea that any sane person can sit down and “talk to the Nutjob running Iran”.

Hundreds of crazies are roaming our streets in America as I write this, and when they snap- there may well be a young mother who is killed or ends up in another wheelchair. All of us out here are at risk from these gangs and crazies. Your supporters have never advocated shutting down the border with Mexico and keeping their CRIMINALS where they came from.

All of your efforts are aimed at taking guns away from the people who are NOT a problem with their guns.

Your focus is entirely wrong——go after all the lawyers who find a reason to plea bargain down the charges against a person with a rap sheet 8 feet long, who is only 23 years old. Look hard at the judge who keeps the revolving doors of the courts running faster than a hamster’s cage.

Tell your side of the story to the 4 widows of the policemen who were shot in Oakland by a perp who should have been inside a jail cell for the rest of his life. He had a rap sheet longer than all the awards of the very best ‘professor’ in the whole country- and he was on parole—AGAIN !!!!!

There is your gun problem, Mr Brady.

Too bad that all your supporters cannot open their eyes a little and see just where the costs of wrong justice are in this country.

Okay Jim, Sarah, since you think the Second Amendment should be done away with, what do you say I get to pick the Amendment I want to do away with. And then we’ll let my good friends here at FR all choose an Amendment they would like to do away with.

Why heck, within an hour we can destroy the whole U.S. Constitution. Isn’t that a great idea.

I am sorry Jim was wounded when Reagan was almost killed. I would have hated to see Reagan killed. We would have lost out on his leadership. But Ronald Reagan never advocated for abolishing the Second Amendment, and neither should you.

The only thing that stands between the total abuse of our rights is our ability to defend ourselves. I will NEVER give up that right. Neither should you.

20
posted on 04/16/2009 2:57:26 PM PDT
by DoughtyOne
(Pres__ent Obama's own grandmother says he was born in Kenya. She was there.)

I felt like I was going to explode if I didn't put the NRA on record that it did not represent the vast majority of Americans.

Right. That's why there are 4 million or so NRA members, and what, like 10 percent of that who belong to gun control organizations?

And since then, Jim and I have mad it our life's work to put the gun lobby out of business - and pass and protect sensible gun laws.

What a waste. You could have spent your life in so many other productive ways. You chose to squander yours trying to deprive me of my rights.

We've made real progress

Again, right. There have never been more gun friendly laws, and more on the way all the time. This is a real Baghdad Bob moment, Sarah. You guys are losing your shirts. I've never been prouder of the NRA.

25
posted on 04/16/2009 3:07:16 PM PDT
by Hardastarboard
(I long for the days when advertisers didn't constantly ask about the health of my genital organs.)

I wonder if Jim Brady ever reflects upon the notion that if he were packing a light weight revolver at the time, not only would he be all right but President Reagan would not have gone in to the good earth with an assassin's bullet still in him.

I wonder if he and his wife ever reflec that if John Hinckley were put to sleep instead of getting off on a crazy plea, that maybe, just maybe the next nut bag would think twice.

26
posted on 04/16/2009 3:09:52 PM PDT
by Jimmy Valentine
(DemocRATS - when they speak, they lie; when they are silent, they are stealing the American Dream)

The funny thing about that is that “for a living” is entirely subjective, as even the BATF guys will admit. (Because there’s also the clause ‘for a profit’ somewhere in the reg.)

>Aside from that, it’s all BS.

So are the majority of our gun-control laws.
So is the idea that Congress, the FedGov (Exec branch), or the USSC care about any of the following: Justice, Responsibility, Accountability, “the law”, Citizens...

27
posted on 04/16/2009 3:09:54 PM PDT
by OneWingedShark
(Q: Why am I here? A: To do Justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God.)

Memo to Jim & Sarah(Not the good one). When sending out please advise us as to where these inexpensive items can be found. The only ones I can find are a lot more costly. Where can I find more ammo especially those hard to get armor piercing Black Rinos and RPGs. By the way the NRA has a great gun training video “Eddie Eagle” you might want to buy for your uneducated son.

Alike no mention of Mr. and Mrs. Brady teaching their
child about gun safety, no wonder he picked it up.
Gun handling should be taught all through school.
Gun safety in the early grades, shooting and handling in the upper grades.

It’s ok to teach kids how to put a condom on a banana,
It’s ok to teach them about gay anal sex,
And exploring your lesbian self is taught all the time
but the wrath of a liberal god comes down on anyone who would dare to teach them gun safety.

Oh and Sarah, I’ve been going to gun shows
for a LONG time and I’ve NEVER seen one in a school gymnasium.

Say I understand the one who shot Reagan
and your husband is allowed family leave now, sure that’s a deterrent alright.

33
posted on 04/16/2009 3:47:56 PM PDT
by tet68
( " We would not die in that man's company, that fears his fellowship to die with us...." Henry V.)

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Brady: I am sorry you have lost your ability to walk. That day was tragic for you and a scare to the nation.

However, your efforts are still born out of anger for the position you now find your self in. An irrational anger. I am not trying to insult, truly, but from my perspective that is the way it looks.

Your top ten reasons for not liking guns are factually incorrect and only approach the issue from the point you are selling.

Do you honestly believe a human should not have the right to protect themselves. That is giving up on a human right that we all demand, LIFE. How do justify disarming another human being in this dangerous world and say “Just take it”, for the greater good I suppose.

You may be comfortable never seeing a gun and in some ways I don't blame you. But for anyone who commits violence against another they expect an even stronger response as a defense to one’s very valued and only life they have.

I am not.

I don't expect the police to stop violence against me in the 3 to 60 minutes it takes them to respond. Not knocking the police but that is just way things work. They do what they can, as fast as they can and with as much excellence possible.

But maybe I won't have access to the phone so I can wait for someone to answer or receive a busy signal. Are you aware that if you use a cell phone in Northern California the calls are sent to a CHP call center and at rush hour you can wait an hour for the call to be answered?

Could you or would you, seriously put you or a loved at risk because you want to wait for the police?

You will be dead or seriously injured. Period.

The police do not live with you and can't prevent violence against you or your family.

The decision of preservation of your life is a personal responsibility. If you choose to forfeit your life because of a personal belief, fine.

But I do not forfeit my life. Heck, I like it and this world and will fight to defend myself, only.

Do you see my point of view?

I want never to have violence visited upon me but rest assured I will readily and unflinchingly defend myself if there are no other alternatives.

There is no such thing as a private dealer. If you are a dealer, you must have a FFL, and conduct the NICS check, at your place of business, or at a gun show. (With some exceptions, such as purchases by those with CHL/CCW from certain states, like Texas for example).

That said, collectors and/or hobbyists can sell guns, at a gun show, or elsewhere without conducting any check at all, at least in the Free States. YMMV. (It would be good to check a driver's license, since even for individuals, sales to out of state residents may be illegal.)

43
posted on 04/16/2009 4:47:13 PM PDT
by El Gato
("The Second Amendment is the RESET button of the United States Constitution." -- Doug McKay)

And that is why I say, “Enough is enough...NO back ground check, NO gun, NO excuses!”

Hey Jim, here’s the deal. I’ll accept your background check. I’ll show my “not a criminal” ID when I buy, if you’ll agree to end the collection of data on me and the gun I buy. Just like the government gets no record of your wife’s cigarette and Jim Beam purchases (though she does need to prove she’s of age).

OK? You’re not putting together a confiscation database, are you? Huh? Jim?

"I am sorry Jim was wounded when Reagan was almost killed. I would have hated to see Reagan killed. We would have lost out on his leadership. But Ronald Reagan never advocated for abolishing the Second Amendment, and neither should you."

Being "well-aged", I remember when this happened, and I also remember JIM Brady's comments right afterward when his wife was starting to spout anti-gun bullshit. He actually said that he disagreed with her, and what happened to him wasn't the effect of loose gun laws. I guess if you live with a brainwasher and are helpless in her hands, you eventually will come around to the way she thinks.

Here is an interesting note. Just before Jim was shot, Handgun Control Inc (HCI), now the Brady Campaign, released a statement saying they ONLY wanted to control handguns. Long guns wiould not be affected.

America was awash with”assault rifles” but HCI saw no problem with them....until they saw a chance to frighten people and ban them!

50
posted on 04/16/2009 5:43:57 PM PDT
by Ruy Dias de Bivar
(14. Guns only have two enemies: rust and politicians.)

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